International luxury real estate markets posted strong performance through mid-2025, with JamesEdition’s analysis of buyer activity — defined as inquiries submitted by users located in 238 countries — revealing shifts in global investment patterns.
While established destinations continue to command the largest market shares, emerging markets are experiencing growth as new investor demographics enter the play.
The data shows markets like the United States and United Kingdom retain their substantial buyer volumes, even though activity is spreading across a broader geographic base. Meanwhile, Southern European countries show more activity in their local buyer base, with growth rates exceeding 20% year over year.
Top 10 Luxury Real Estate Buyer Markets in 2025
American nationals account for almost one in three of all international luxury property inquiries in 2025, representing nearly double the volume of the second-largest buyer market and reinforcing the United States as the primary driver of international luxury real estate activity.
British buyers represent about 1 in 7 global inquiries, while the broader European market accounts for the majority of international activity, with significant contributions from Spain, Germany, France, and Italy.
Portugal has emerged as the standout performer, posting a near 50% increase in high-net-worth buyer interest year-over-year. Despite ranking as only the eighth-largest market by volume, Portugal drives 2.34% of the global luxury market’s 12.1% growth rate, with approximately one in five new buyers now originating from the country.
Canada (4.2% market share) and South Africa (3.8% market share) round out the top 10, both demonstrating steady growth.
Established Markets Maintain Dominant Position Despite Shifting Buyer Patterns
The interest of buyers in the luxury real estate landscape continues to be focused on established powerhouses, with Italy, Spain, France, and the United States collectively commanding a majority share of global buyer inquiries.
These markets contain established luxury destinations with mature infrastructure and international communities in key areas. The added volume advantage remains significant despite evolving market dynamics.
Meanwhile, emerging destinations are capturing exceptional growth, with especially the United Arab Emirates posting a substantial 85% increase, followed by Switzerland with a 18% increase. This data underscores how high-net-worth investors are expanding their geographic search scope while established luxury destinations continue to anchor global demand patterns.
Global Demand Diversifies
Traditional powerhouses continue to lead inquiry volumes through their established luxury ecosystems and proven market track records, while emerging destinations show substantial growth as investors seek better value propositions and strategic diversification.
The 12.1% overall expansion in international buyer activity reflects an increasing underlying demand, with high-net-worth individuals potentially adopting global investment strategies that span over multiple markets. High-net-worth buyers seem to be spreading their investments more across multiple countries, combining safe bets in proven markets with higher-growth opportunities in emerging destinations.
Explore JamesEdition’s comprehensive luxury property listings across these dynamic global markets to discover your next international real estate investment opportunity.
